Police: Saratoga Springs man cut off part of another man's ear with machete

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- A man had part of his left ear cut off and the side of his face slashed with a 3-foot machete after an argument Tuesday night at a cookout on Grand Avenue, according to city police.

Police still had not found the machete as of Wednesday night, but the man who they say swung it is in custody.

Russell Duffney, 46, of 149 Grand Ave., where the assault allegedly took place, was charged with first-degree assault with a deadly weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, felonies.

Saratoga Springs Police Lt. John Catone said the victim and his attacker knew one another and had gotten into an argument at the residence on Grand Avenue, across the street from The Local. During the course of the argument, Duffney allegedly picked up the 36-inch machete and swung it in an overhand-motion down at the 47-year-old victim's head, severing part of the victim's ear and slicing into his face.

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Catone said he did not know what the argument was about, but said there was "definitely excessive drinking" on Duffney's part.

One neighbor said the barbecue did not appear to be raucous a short time before the assault took place, when between 10 and 12 people were at the cookout.

The house is owned by the Universal Baptist Church. It used to be the church parsonage, but now the church rents the rooms.

One neighbor said the assault was not an isolated incident, while another man who worked nearby said the house has been a frequent site of fights.

Police were contacted after the victim, whose name is not being released, showed up at Saratoga Hospital just after 8:30 p.m. with serious injuries.

They interviewed the victim at Saratoga Hospital, and by 11:30 p.m. Tuesday they had Duffney in custody.

Tuesday night, the victim underwent surgery to try and re-attach his ear. Catone said he believes the victim's ear was successfully repaired and he is listed in serious condition at Saratoga Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Catone said Duffney has "a lengthy criminal history" with 17 previous convictions, including some assaults and felonies. He was on felony probation when he was arrested Tuesday night.

After his arrest, Duffney was taken to Saratoga Hospital with chest pains and is under police supervision while he is being treated. Catone said Duffney is expected to be remanded to Saratoga County Jail without bail because he is not eligible for parole due to his prior felony convictions.